US20150204367A1 - Buckling mechanism and article having the same - Google Patents
Buckling mechanism and article having the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150204367A1 US20150204367A1 US14/448,233 US201414448233A US2015204367A1 US 20150204367 A1 US20150204367 A1 US 20150204367A1 US 201414448233 A US201414448233 A US 201414448233A US 2015204367 A1 US2015204367 A1 US 2015204367A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- locking
- main body
- guiding
- buckling mechanism
- connection element
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 57
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 14
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
- F16B21/09—Releasable fastening devices with a stud engaging a keyhole slot
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/10—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using pivoting jaws
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/60—Biased catch or latch
- Y10T403/602—Biased catch or latch by separate spring
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a buckling mechanism and an article having the same; in particular, to a buckling mechanism adaptable to an article for buckling two objects.
- Buckling mechanisms are popular for fastening two removable objects. Designs of buckling mechanisms have progressed toward screw-less and ergonomic features. Screw-less designs simplifies complicated assembly processes and does away with tools during disassembly.
- TIPO Publication TW I403248 “Fastening Device and an Object Having the Same” discloses a screw-less fastening device. Said screw-less fastening device allows quick assembly and disassembly of a first object and a second object without using screws.
- the above-mentioned fastening device still requires a copious amount of units.
- the first object is required to have a first hook and two retaining boards.
- the second object is required to have two second hooks.
- the two retaining boards are perpendicularly connected to the first object.
- the second object also needs a plurality of fixing boards.
- the assembly process is still cumbersome and the assembled article occupies a definite amount of volume.
- the adaptability of said fastening device is limited and not easily modified to suit the needs of different articles.
- the object of the present disclosure is to provide a buckling mechanism having a reduced quantity of units, simplified assembly process and reduced overall volume.
- an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an elastic latch design having a position-limiting ability, to prevent excessive force during operation from causing failure to the structure. Additionally, by removing the restricting condition of position-limiting, the engaged structure can be automatically withdrawn.
- the present disclosure provides a buckling mechanism including a first member, a second member and a locking assembly.
- the first member has a pair of locking-arm guiding portions gradually approaching each other from an exterior edge of the first member inward.
- the second member has a latching member.
- the locking assembly includes a connection element, a first resilient element, a interfering member and a second resilient element.
- the connection element has a main body disposed slidably along a line on the first member, and a pair of locking arms which are flexible and connected to the main body.
- the main body is formed with a positioning portion.
- the pair of locking arms is slidably disposed on the first member along the pair of locking-arm guiding portions.
- the first resilient element provides a spring force to the main body to maintain the connection element at the unlocked position under normal conditions.
- the interfering member blocks the positioning portion of the connection element such that the connection element is restricted at the locking position.
- the second resilient element pushes the interfering member to a position for blocking the connection element.
- the present disclosure also provides an article having a buckling mechanism, including a first member, a second member, and a locking assembly.
- the first member has a pair of locking-arm guiding portions gradually approaching each other from an exterior edge of the first member inward.
- the second member has a latching member.
- the locking assembly includes a connection element, a first resilient element, a interfering member and a second resilient element.
- the connection element has a main body disposed slidably along a line on the first member, and a pair of locking arms which are flexible and connected to the main body.
- the main body is formed with a positioning portion.
- the pair of locking arms is slidably disposed on the first member along the pair of locking-arm guiding portions.
- the first resilient element provides a spring force to the main body to maintain the connection element at the unlocked position under normal conditions.
- the interfering member blocks the positioning portion of the connection element such that the connection element is restricted at the locking position.
- the second resilient element pushes the interfering member to a position for blocking the connection element.
- the first member further includes a path guiding portion, an guide protrusion protrudes from the main body of the connection element, and the guide protrusion is slidably disposed in the path guiding portion.
- the present disclosure has the following advantages. Upon releasing the connection element from the locked position, the second member is automatically withdrawn from the first member. The user does not need to manually withdraw the second member.
- the buckling mechanism has an ability for automatic ejection. The quantity of components is low and is sufficient to achieve the effects of locking and automatic ejection, and the structure is screw-less, saving the production cost. The assembly process is simplified.
- FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a buckling mechanism according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an assembled buckling mechanism in an unlocked state according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second member abutting a first member of a buckling mechanism according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an assembled buckling mechanism in a locked state according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C show a buckling mechanism going from an unlocked state into a locked state
- FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C show a buckling mechanism going from a locked state into an unlocked state
- FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a buckling mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a second member of a buckling mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a second member of a buckling mechanism according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a buckling mechanism according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an assembled buckling mechanism in an unlocked state according to the present disclosure
- the present disclosure provides a buckling mechanism including a first member 10 , a second member 20 and a locking assembly.
- the first member 10 has a path guiding portion 12 , a pair of locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b gradually approaching each other from an exterior edge of the first member 10 inward.
- the second member 20 has a latching member 22 .
- the locking assembly includes a connection element 30 , a first resilient element S 1 , an interfering member 40 and a second resilient element S 2 .
- the connection element 30 has a main body 32 disposed slidably along a path (e.g. a straight line) on the first member 10 , and a pair of locking arms 34 a, 34 b which are flexible and connected to the main body 32 .
- the main body 32 is formed with a positioning portion 36 .
- the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b are slidably disposed on the first member along the two locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b, respectively.
- the second member 20 is locked to the first member 10 by the locking assembly.
- the connection element 30 moves from an unlocked position proximal to the pair of locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b (refer to FIG. 2 ) to a locked position distal from the pair of locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b (refer to FIG. 4 ).
- the first resilient element S 1 provides a spring force on the main body 32 to drive the connection element 30 to the unlocked position under normal conditions.
- the interfering member 40 engages the positioning portion 36 of the connection element 30 such that the connection element 30 is retained at the locked position.
- the second resilient element S 2 is configured to push the interfering member 40 to a position for engaging the connection element 30 under normal conditions.
- the first member 10 of the present embodiment is board-shaped, and is preferably a metal board made by stamping but is not limited thereto (e.g. the first member 10 can also be a plastic board).
- the path guiding portion 12 and the locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b are slots passing through the first member 10 , but are not limited thereto and can be recessed grooves instead.
- the underside of the main body 32 of the connection element 30 has an guide protrusion 321 .
- the guide protrusion 321 of the present embodiment is a protruding block slidably disposed in the path guiding portion 12 .
- the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b each have a guide protrusion 345 protruding therefrom.
- the two guide protrusions 345 are respectively slidably disposed in the two locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b.
- the first member 10 is formed with a interfering member guiding slot 16 for cooperating with the interfering member 40 .
- the underside of the interfering member 40 is formed with a strip-shaped guiding rail 41 accommodated in the interfering member guiding slot 16 for linear motion.
- the interfering member guiding slot 16 of the present embodiment is also a slot passing through the first member 10 , but is not limited thereto and can be a recessed groove.
- the first member 10 can be formed with a latch guiding slot 18 .
- One end of the latch guiding slot 18 opens at a side edge of the first member 10 .
- the latch guiding slot 18 is arranged between the two locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b.
- the main body 32 of the connection element 30 is substantially rectangularly shaped.
- the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b are each L-shaped and connected to an end of the main body 32 .
- Each of the locking arms 34 a, 34 b includes an arm portion 341 and a hooking portion 342 bent from the free end of the arm portion 341 .
- the pair of L-shaped locking arms 34 a, 34 b and the main body 32 define a retaining space W.
- the arm portions 341 are flexible such that the hooking portions 342 can open or contract.
- the connection element 30 is Y-shaped.
- FIG. 4 when the locking arms 34 a, 34 b contracts, the second member 20 is retained in the retained space W.
- the main body 32 of the present embodiment is further formed with an pushing block 323 extending into the retaining space W and is arranged between the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b .
- the pushing block 323 can reduce the movement margin of the latching member 22 of the second member 20 , such that the latching member 22 is restricted between the pushing block 323 , the arm portions 341 and the hooking portions 342 .
- the buckling mechanism of the present embodiment further includes two constricting columns 15 a, 15 b disposed on the first member 10 at the outer sides of the two locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b respectively.
- Each of the locking arms 34 a, 34 b includes an stopping member 343 formed on the outer side of the hooking portion 342 , and an oblique surface 344 extending from the stopping member 343 to the arm portion 341 .
- the two constricting columns 15 a, 15 b respectively slide along the oblique surfaces 344 and abut the stopping members 343 .
- the guide protrusions 345 are respectively restricted in the locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b, and the constricting columns 15 a, 15 b respectively blocks the outer faces of the locking arms 34 a, 34 b.
- the connection element 30 includes a first guiding column 38 parallel to the first member.
- the guiding column 38 extends from the main body 32 away from the locking arms 34 a, 34 b.
- the first resilient element S 1 of the present embodiment is a compression spring sleeving the first guiding column 38 .
- the first member 10 includes a first limiting plate 13 .
- the first limiting plate 13 is overall U-shaped and integrally formed as one body with the first member 10 , preferably by stamping the first member 10 made of metal.
- the first guiding column 38 is slidably disposed at the first limiting plate 13 .
- the two ends of the first resilient element S 1 respectively abut the main body 32 and the first limiting plate 13 .
- the main body 32 has an mounting groove 322 and the first guiding column 38 extends from the mounting groove 322 .
- the mounting groove 322 can accommodate the first resilient element S 1 .
- An advantage of the mounting groove lies in that the first resilient element S 1 is completely accommodated within the mounting groove 322 when compressed and does not take up any additional space.
- the connection element 30 abuts the first limiting plate 13 . By this configuration, the overall length of the buckling mechanism is reduced.
- the positioning portion 36 of the main body 32 includes an inclined-face protrusion 361 and a positioning groove 362 adjacent to the inclined-face protrusion 361 .
- the interfering member 40 has a blocking portion 42 .
- the blocking portion 42 has an inclined face for cooperation with the inclined-face protrusion 361 .
- the interfering member 40 has a second guiding column 44 .
- the second resilient element S 2 is a compression spring sleeving the second guiding column 44 .
- the first member 10 includes a second limiting plate 17 .
- the second limiting plate 17 is overall U-shaped.
- the second guiding column 44 is slidably disposed at the second limiting plate 17 .
- the two ends of the second resilient element S 2 respectively abut the interfering member 40 and the second limiting plate 17 .
- the second guiding column 44 guides the movement of the interfering member 40 .
- the interfering member 40 of the present embodiment has a pair of holding portions 43 protruding from two sides thereof, for the user to pull the interfering member 40 backwards and away from the positioning portion 36 of the main body 32 , such that the connection element 30 can be unlocked and restored to the unlocked position through the force provided by the first resilient element S 1 .
- the quantity of the holding portion 43 can be at least one. The following describes the unlocking process in detail
- FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C show a buckling mechanism going from an unlocked state into a locked state.
- the buckling mechanism is in an unlocked state
- the connection element 30 is at the unlocked position
- the second member 20 moves from the outer side of the first member toward the connection element 30 along the latch guiding slot 18 .
- the second member 20 moves toward the connection element 30 and abuts the pushing block 323 of the main body 32 , and the connection element 30 is pushed backward.
- the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b contract as the two guide protrusions 345 respectively moves along the two locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b.
- the first guiding column 38 moves along the first limiting plate 13 , and the first resilient element stores elastic energy due to being compressed.
- the positioning portion 36 moves backward and pushes the blocking portion 42 of the interfering member 40 .
- the second resilient element S 2 also scores elastic energy due to being compressed.
- connection element 30 is pushed to the end and contacts the first limiting plate 13 and positioned at the locked position.
- the two guide protrusions 345 of the respective two locking arms 34 a, 34 b moves to the ends of the locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b, and the locking arms 34 a, 34 b contract such that the two arm portions 341 are substantially parallel.
- the second member 20 is blocked by the two hooking portions 342 and cannot be withdrawn.
- the two constricting columns 15 a, 15 b respectively abut the oblique surfaces 344 and the stopping members 343 of the locking arms 34 a, 34 b, and the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b cannot open outward.
- the blocking portion 42 of the interfering member 40 slides past the inclined-face protrusion 361 , and is pushed into the positioning groove 362 by the second resilient element S 2 .
- the connection element 30 is fixed at the locked position.
- the second member 20 of the buckling mechanism of the present disclosure is effectively retained at the first member 10 .
- the present embodiment has multiple blocking mechanisms.
- the latch guiding slot 18 can restrict the movement of the second member 20 , and the path guiding portion 12 and the first limiting plate 13 also can restrict the movement of the connection element. Therefore inappropriate forces applied during operation are prevented from causing ineffectiveness of the structure.
- FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C show a buckling mechanism going from a locked state into an unlocked state. As shown in FIG. 6A , the buckling mechanism is in the locked state. When the user intends to undo the locked state, the blocking portion 42 of the interfering member 40 is first removed from the positioning groove 362 of the positioning portion 36 .
- the holding portions 43 are prompted by the user to cause the interfering member 40 to move away from the positioning portion 36 , thereby undoing the restriction on the connection element 30 . Then, the elastic force provided by the first resilient element S 1 pushes the connection element 30 outward, and the pushing block 323 of the main body 32 in turn pushes the second member 20 along the latch guiding slot 18 away from the first member 10 .
- the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
- the guiding rail 41 of the interfering member 40 can be prompted from the underside of the first member 10 and moved such that the interfering member 40 moves away from the positioning portion 36 .
- the guiding rail 41 can protrude from the underside of the first member, or a trigger unit connected to the guiding rail 41 can be disposed at the underside of the first member 10 for the user to prompt.
- the connection element 30 moves outward, the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b opens outward along the two locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b through the two guide protrusions 345 .
- the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b are opened.
- the first resilient element S 1 is completely extended, the two guide protrusions 345 of the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b move the outward ends of the locking-arm guiding portions 14 a, 14 b.
- the second member 20 is withdrawn from the first member 10 and is at the unlocked state.
- the user needs only prompt the holding portion 43 to undo the restriction on the connection element 30 , in order for the second member 20 to automatically withdraw from the first member 10 .
- the user does not need to manually withdraw the second member 20 .
- the buckling mechanism has an auto-withdrawal function. During operation, the buckling mechanism can be clearly and definitely known to be in an open state. Conversely, when the second member 20 is pushed to the end, the two locking arms 34 a, 34 b contracts to a closed state. The two states are clearly indicated by the appearances without causing confusion or uncertainty.
- the quantity of components is low and is sufficient to achieve the effects of locking and automatic ejection, and the structure is screw-less, saving the production cost.
- the assembly process is simplified.
- FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a buckling mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the difference between the present embodiment and the previous embodiment lies in that the present embodiment has a first resilient element S 3 integrally formed as one body with the connection element 30 , and another type of interfering member 40 ′.
- the first resilient element S 3 of the present embodiment is a pair of curved elastic plates extending from the main body 12 .
- the first member 10 has a longer first limiting plate 13 ′.
- the curved elastic plates (S 3 ) elastically abut the first limiting plate 13 ′.
- the interfering member 40 ′ is substantially L-shaped, and has a blocking portion 42 ′ and a holding portion 46 bendingly extending from the blocking portion 42 ′.
- the middle portion of the holding portion 46 is rotatably disposed on the first member 10 along a pivot unit 45 .
- the outer end of the blocking portion 42 ′ is integrally formed as one piece with the second resilient element S 4 .
- the second resilient element S 4 is a curved elastic plate extending from the interfering member 40 .
- the first member 10 includes a second limiting plate 17 ′.
- the curved elastic plate elastically abuts the second limiting plate 17 ′.
- the actuation of the present embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiment.
- the difference lies in that during unlocking, the outer end of the holding portion 46 extends beyond the outer side of the first member 10 , and the prompting position for the user is different.
- the outer end of the holding portion 46 is pushed toward the connection element 30 , and the blocking portion 42 ′ can move away from the positioning portion 36 of the connection element 30 .
- the present disclosure can apply the buckling mechanism to any two structures which need to be closed upon each other, and form an article having a buckling mechanism, e.g. laptop casing, drawers, etc.
- FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show perspective view of the present disclosure having second members of different shapes.
- the present disclosure can have second members 20 ′ of different appearances, such as the inverted-U-shaped shown in FIG. 8 having a latching member 22 ′.
- the second member 20 ′′ has a column-shaped latching member 22 ′′. Both of the above can be retained at the first member 10 .
- the present disclosure has the following advantages.
- the first member 10 provided by the present disclosure has multiple guiding mechanisms on a same plane, including guidance of the locking process, guidance of the automatic withdrawal, guidance of the positioning blocking, etc., which occupy limited volume.
- the assembly process does not require tools, and disassembly is simple, and the unlocking process is easy.
- the two members of the present disclosure can be adjusted according to needs, e.g. adjusting the shape of the hook, buckle, locking lever, etc, to adapt to different articles.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a buckling mechanism and an article having the same; in particular, to a buckling mechanism adaptable to an article for buckling two objects.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Buckling mechanisms are popular for fastening two removable objects. Designs of buckling mechanisms have progressed toward screw-less and ergonomic features. Screw-less designs simplifies complicated assembly processes and does away with tools during disassembly.
- TIPO Publication TW I403248 “Fastening Device and an Object Having the Same” discloses a screw-less fastening device. Said screw-less fastening device allows quick assembly and disassembly of a first object and a second object without using screws.
- However, the above-mentioned fastening device still requires a copious amount of units. The first object is required to have a first hook and two retaining boards. The second object is required to have two second hooks. The two retaining boards are perpendicularly connected to the first object. Moreover, in order to fix the two second hooks, the second object also needs a plurality of fixing boards. Overall, the assembly process is still cumbersome and the assembled article occupies a definite amount of volume. Additionally, the adaptability of said fastening device is limited and not easily modified to suit the needs of different articles.
- The object of the present disclosure is to provide a buckling mechanism having a reduced quantity of units, simplified assembly process and reduced overall volume.
- Moreover, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an elastic latch design having a position-limiting ability, to prevent excessive force during operation from causing failure to the structure. Additionally, by removing the restricting condition of position-limiting, the engaged structure can be automatically withdrawn.
- In order to achieve the aforementioned objects, the present disclosure provides a buckling mechanism including a first member, a second member and a locking assembly. The first member has a pair of locking-arm guiding portions gradually approaching each other from an exterior edge of the first member inward. The second member has a latching member. The locking assembly includes a connection element, a first resilient element, a interfering member and a second resilient element. The connection element has a main body disposed slidably along a line on the first member, and a pair of locking arms which are flexible and connected to the main body. The main body is formed with a positioning portion. The pair of locking arms is slidably disposed on the first member along the pair of locking-arm guiding portions. When the latching member of the second member pushes the connection element from an unlocked position to a locked position, the locking-arm guiding portions which approach each other guides the locking arms are to contract for retaining the latching member. The first resilient element provides a spring force to the main body to maintain the connection element at the unlocked position under normal conditions. The interfering member blocks the positioning portion of the connection element such that the connection element is restricted at the locking position. The second resilient element pushes the interfering member to a position for blocking the connection element.
- Additionally, the present disclosure also provides an article having a buckling mechanism, including a first member, a second member, and a locking assembly. The first member has a pair of locking-arm guiding portions gradually approaching each other from an exterior edge of the first member inward. The second member has a latching member. The locking assembly includes a connection element, a first resilient element, a interfering member and a second resilient element. The connection element has a main body disposed slidably along a line on the first member, and a pair of locking arms which are flexible and connected to the main body. The main body is formed with a positioning portion. The pair of locking arms is slidably disposed on the first member along the pair of locking-arm guiding portions. When the latching member of the second member pushes the connection element from an unlocked position to a locked position, the locking-arm guiding portions which approach each other guides the locking arms are to contract for retaining the latching member. The first resilient element provides a spring force to the main body to maintain the connection element at the unlocked position under normal conditions. The interfering member blocks the positioning portion of the connection element such that the connection element is restricted at the locking position. The second resilient element pushes the interfering member to a position for blocking the connection element.
- Moreover, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first member further includes a path guiding portion, an guide protrusion protrudes from the main body of the connection element, and the guide protrusion is slidably disposed in the path guiding portion.
- The present disclosure has the following advantages. Upon releasing the connection element from the locked position, the second member is automatically withdrawn from the first member. The user does not need to manually withdraw the second member. The buckling mechanism has an ability for automatic ejection. The quantity of components is low and is sufficient to achieve the effects of locking and automatic ejection, and the structure is screw-less, saving the production cost. The assembly process is simplified.
- In order to further the understanding regarding the present disclosure, the following embodiments are provided along with illustrations to facilitate the disclosure of the present disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a buckling mechanism according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an assembled buckling mechanism in an unlocked state according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second member abutting a first member of a buckling mechanism according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an assembled buckling mechanism in a locked state according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5A toFIG. 5C show a buckling mechanism going from an unlocked state into a locked state; -
FIG. 6A toFIG. 6C show a buckling mechanism going from a locked state into an unlocked state; -
FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a buckling mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a second member of a buckling mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a second member of a buckling mechanism according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. - The aforementioned illustrations and following detailed descriptions are exemplary for the purpose of further explaining the scope of the present disclosure. Other objectives and advantages related to the present disclosure will be illustrated in the subsequent descriptions and appended drawings. Besides, in the following description, when it comes to the number or the like, unless specifically described, the instant disclosure is not limited to the number mentioned. Throughout the present specification, expression of relative position such as “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” etc, are used solely for convenience and clarity as oriented in the drawings. They are in no way intended to be limited as to the orientation of use of the instant disclosure described.
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FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a buckling mechanism according to the present disclosure, andFIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an assembled buckling mechanism in an unlocked state according to the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides a buckling mechanism including afirst member 10, asecond member 20 and a locking assembly. Thefirst member 10 has apath guiding portion 12, a pair of locking-arm guiding portions first member 10 inward. Thesecond member 20 has a latchingmember 22. - The locking assembly includes a
connection element 30, a first resilient element S1, an interferingmember 40 and a second resilient element S2. Theconnection element 30 has amain body 32 disposed slidably along a path (e.g. a straight line) on thefirst member 10, and a pair of lockingarms main body 32. Themain body 32 is formed with apositioning portion 36. The two lockingarms arm guiding portions - Simply speaking, regarding the buckling mechanism of the present disclosure, the
second member 20 is locked to thefirst member 10 by the locking assembly. As shown inFIG. 3 , when the latchingmember 22 of thesecond member 20 pushes themain body 32 from outside of thefirst member 10, theconnection element 30 moves from an unlocked position proximal to the pair of locking-arm guiding portions FIG. 2 ) to a locked position distal from the pair of locking-arm guiding portions FIG. 4 ). In concert with the pushing process of the latchingmember 22, the pair of lockingarms arm guiding portions member 22. The first resilient element S1 provides a spring force on themain body 32 to drive theconnection element 30 to the unlocked position under normal conditions. The interferingmember 40 engages thepositioning portion 36 of theconnection element 30 such that theconnection element 30 is retained at the locked position. The second resilient element S2 is configured to push the interferingmember 40 to a position for engaging theconnection element 30 under normal conditions. The following describes the components in detail. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , thefirst member 10 of the present embodiment is board-shaped, and is preferably a metal board made by stamping but is not limited thereto (e.g. thefirst member 10 can also be a plastic board). Thepath guiding portion 12 and the locking-arm guiding portions first member 10, but are not limited thereto and can be recessed grooves instead. The underside of themain body 32 of theconnection element 30 has anguide protrusion 321. Theguide protrusion 321 of the present embodiment is a protruding block slidably disposed in thepath guiding portion 12. The two lockingarms guide protrusion 345 protruding therefrom. The twoguide protrusions 345 are respectively slidably disposed in the two locking-arm guiding portions first member 10 is formed with a interferingmember guiding slot 16 for cooperating with the interferingmember 40. The underside of the interferingmember 40 is formed with a strip-shaped guidingrail 41 accommodated in the interferingmember guiding slot 16 for linear motion. The interferingmember guiding slot 16 of the present embodiment is also a slot passing through thefirst member 10, but is not limited thereto and can be a recessed groove. Additionally, to facilitate the entry of thesecond member 20 to the locked position, thefirst member 10 can be formed with alatch guiding slot 18. One end of thelatch guiding slot 18 opens at a side edge of thefirst member 10. Thelatch guiding slot 18 is arranged between the two locking-arm guiding portions - The
main body 32 of theconnection element 30 is substantially rectangularly shaped. The two lockingarms main body 32. Each of the lockingarms arm portion 341 and a hookingportion 342 bent from the free end of thearm portion 341. As shown inFIG. 2 , the pair of L-shaped lockingarms main body 32 define a retaining space W. Thearm portions 341 are flexible such that the hookingportions 342 can open or contract. As shown inFIG. 2 , when the two lockingarms connection element 30 is Y-shaped. As shown inFIG. 4 , when the lockingarms second member 20 is retained in the retained space W. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , themain body 32 of the present embodiment is further formed with an pushingblock 323 extending into the retaining space W and is arranged between the two lockingarms block 323 can reduce the movement margin of the latchingmember 22 of thesecond member 20, such that the latchingmember 22 is restricted between the pushingblock 323, thearm portions 341 and the hookingportions 342. - Referring to
FIG. 1 andFIG. 4 , in order for the two lockingarms columns first member 10 at the outer sides of the two locking-arm guiding portions arms member 343 formed on the outer side of the hookingportion 342, and anoblique surface 344 extending from the stoppingmember 343 to thearm portion 341. When themain body 32 is pushed by thesecond member 20 to the locked position, the two constrictingcolumns members 343. When the two lockingarms guide protrusions 345 are respectively restricted in the locking-arm guiding portions columns arms arms - The
connection element 30 includes afirst guiding column 38 parallel to the first member. The guidingcolumn 38 extends from themain body 32 away from the lockingarms first guiding column 38. Thefirst member 10 includes a first limitingplate 13. The first limitingplate 13 is overall U-shaped and integrally formed as one body with thefirst member 10, preferably by stamping thefirst member 10 made of metal. Thefirst guiding column 38 is slidably disposed at the first limitingplate 13. The two ends of the first resilient element S1 respectively abut themain body 32 and the first limitingplate 13. Preferably, themain body 32 has an mountinggroove 322 and thefirst guiding column 38 extends from the mountinggroove 322. The mountinggroove 322 can accommodate the first resilient element S1. An advantage of the mounting groove lies in that the first resilient element S1 is completely accommodated within the mountinggroove 322 when compressed and does not take up any additional space. Theconnection element 30 abuts the first limitingplate 13. By this configuration, the overall length of the buckling mechanism is reduced. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , the positioningportion 36 of themain body 32 includes an inclined-face protrusion 361 and apositioning groove 362 adjacent to the inclined-face protrusion 361. The interferingmember 40 has a blockingportion 42. The blockingportion 42 has an inclined face for cooperation with the inclined-face protrusion 361. When themain body 32 is at the locking position (as shown inFIG. 4 ), the blockingportion 42 is inserted into thepositioning groove 362. By this configuration, theconnection element 30 is retained such that thesecond member 20 is fixed to thefirst member 10. The following describes the locking process in detail. - The interfering
member 40 has asecond guiding column 44. The second resilient element S2 is a compression spring sleeving thesecond guiding column 44. Thefirst member 10 includes a second limitingplate 17. The second limitingplate 17 is overall U-shaped. Thesecond guiding column 44 is slidably disposed at the second limitingplate 17. The two ends of the second resilient element S2 respectively abut the interferingmember 40 and the second limitingplate 17. Thesecond guiding column 44 guides the movement of the interferingmember 40. The interferingmember 40 of the present embodiment has a pair of holdingportions 43 protruding from two sides thereof, for the user to pull the interferingmember 40 backwards and away from the positioningportion 36 of themain body 32, such that theconnection element 30 can be unlocked and restored to the unlocked position through the force provided by the first resilient element S1. The quantity of the holdingportion 43 can be at least one. The following describes the unlocking process in detail -
FIG. 5A toFIG. 5C show a buckling mechanism going from an unlocked state into a locked state. As shown inFIG. 5A , the buckling mechanism is in an unlocked state, theconnection element 30 is at the unlocked position, and thesecond member 20 moves from the outer side of the first member toward theconnection element 30 along thelatch guiding slot 18. - As shown in
FIG. 5B , thesecond member 20 moves toward theconnection element 30 and abuts the pushingblock 323 of themain body 32, and theconnection element 30 is pushed backward. In the process, the two lockingarms guide protrusions 345 respectively moves along the two locking-arm guiding portions first guiding column 38 moves along the first limitingplate 13, and the first resilient element stores elastic energy due to being compressed. Additionally, the positioningportion 36 moves backward and pushes the blockingportion 42 of the interferingmember 40. The second resilient element S2 also scores elastic energy due to being compressed. - As shown in
FIG. 5C , theconnection element 30 is pushed to the end and contacts the first limitingplate 13 and positioned at the locked position. The twoguide protrusions 345 of the respective two lockingarms arm guiding portions arms arm portions 341 are substantially parallel. Thesecond member 20 is blocked by the two hookingportions 342 and cannot be withdrawn. At the same time, the two constrictingcolumns members 343 of the lockingarms arms portion 42 of the interferingmember 40 slides past the inclined-face protrusion 361, and is pushed into thepositioning groove 362 by the second resilient element S2. By this configuration, theconnection element 30 is fixed at the locked position. At this point, thesecond member 20 of the buckling mechanism of the present disclosure is effectively retained at thefirst member 10. - The present embodiment has multiple blocking mechanisms. During the locking process, the
latch guiding slot 18 can restrict the movement of thesecond member 20, and thepath guiding portion 12 and the first limitingplate 13 also can restrict the movement of the connection element. Therefore inappropriate forces applied during operation are prevented from causing ineffectiveness of the structure. -
FIG. 6A toFIG. 6C show a buckling mechanism going from a locked state into an unlocked state. As shown inFIG. 6A , the buckling mechanism is in the locked state. When the user intends to undo the locked state, the blockingportion 42 of the interferingmember 40 is first removed from thepositioning groove 362 of thepositioning portion 36. - As shown in
FIG. 6B , in the present embodiment the holdingportions 43 are prompted by the user to cause the interferingmember 40 to move away from the positioningportion 36, thereby undoing the restriction on theconnection element 30. Then, the elastic force provided by the first resilient element S1 pushes theconnection element 30 outward, and the pushingblock 323 of themain body 32 in turn pushes thesecond member 20 along thelatch guiding slot 18 away from thefirst member 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the guidingrail 41 of the interferingmember 40 can be prompted from the underside of thefirst member 10 and moved such that the interferingmember 40 moves away from the positioningportion 36. In this embodiment, the guidingrail 41 can protrude from the underside of the first member, or a trigger unit connected to the guidingrail 41 can be disposed at the underside of thefirst member 10 for the user to prompt. - As shown in
FIG. 6C , as theconnection element 30 moves outward, the two lockingarms arm guiding portions guide protrusions 345. The two lockingarms guide protrusions 345 of the two lockingarms arm guiding portions second member 20 is withdrawn from thefirst member 10 and is at the unlocked state. - In the process of unlocking in the present embodiment, the user needs only prompt the holding
portion 43 to undo the restriction on theconnection element 30, in order for thesecond member 20 to automatically withdraw from thefirst member 10. The user does not need to manually withdraw thesecond member 20. The buckling mechanism has an auto-withdrawal function. During operation, the buckling mechanism can be clearly and definitely known to be in an open state. Conversely, when thesecond member 20 is pushed to the end, the two lockingarms - The quantity of components is low and is sufficient to achieve the effects of locking and automatic ejection, and the structure is screw-less, saving the production cost. The assembly process is simplified.
-
FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a buckling mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between the present embodiment and the previous embodiment lies in that the present embodiment has a first resilient element S3 integrally formed as one body with theconnection element 30, and another type of interferingmember 40′. The first resilient element S3 of the present embodiment is a pair of curved elastic plates extending from themain body 12. Thefirst member 10 has a longer first limitingplate 13′. The curved elastic plates (S3) elastically abut the first limitingplate 13′. - The interfering
member 40′ is substantially L-shaped, and has a blockingportion 42′ and a holdingportion 46 bendingly extending from the blockingportion 42′. The middle portion of the holdingportion 46 is rotatably disposed on thefirst member 10 along apivot unit 45. The outer end of the blockingportion 42′ is integrally formed as one piece with the second resilient element S4. The second resilient element S4 is a curved elastic plate extending from the interferingmember 40. Thefirst member 10 includes a second limitingplate 17′. The curved elastic plate elastically abuts the second limitingplate 17′. With proper positioning of thepivot unit 45, the holdingportion 46 can have a longer moment arm, reducing the force required during unlocking. - The actuation of the present embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiment. The difference lies in that during unlocking, the outer end of the holding
portion 46 extends beyond the outer side of thefirst member 10, and the prompting position for the user is different. During unlocking, the outer end of the holdingportion 46 is pushed toward theconnection element 30, and the blockingportion 42′ can move away from the positioningportion 36 of theconnection element 30. - Based on the above description, the present disclosure can apply the buckling mechanism to any two structures which need to be closed upon each other, and form an article having a buckling mechanism, e.g. laptop casing, drawers, etc.
- Additionally,
FIG. 8 andFIG. 9 show perspective view of the present disclosure having second members of different shapes. According to the above description, the present disclosure can havesecond members 20′ of different appearances, such as the inverted-U-shaped shown inFIG. 8 having a latchingmember 22′. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 9 , thesecond member 20″ has a column-shaped latchingmember 22″. Both of the above can be retained at thefirst member 10. - In summary of the above, the present disclosure has the following advantages. The
first member 10 provided by the present disclosure has multiple guiding mechanisms on a same plane, including guidance of the locking process, guidance of the automatic withdrawal, guidance of the positioning blocking, etc., which occupy limited volume. The assembly process does not require tools, and disassembly is simple, and the unlocking process is easy. Moreover, the two members of the present disclosure can be adjusted according to needs, e.g. adjusting the shape of the hook, buckle, locking lever, etc, to adapt to different articles. - The descriptions illustrated supra set forth simply the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure; however, the characteristics of the present disclosure are by no means restricted thereto. All changes, alternations, or modifications conveniently considered by those skilled in the art are deemed to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure delineated by the following claims.
Claims (20)
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CN201410031092.XA CN104797114B (en) | 2014-01-22 | 2014-01-22 | Snap device and the object with snap device |
CN201410031092 | 2014-01-22 | ||
CN201410031092.X | 2014-01-22 |
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US20150204367A1 true US20150204367A1 (en) | 2015-07-23 |
US9371848B2 US9371848B2 (en) | 2016-06-21 |
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US14/448,233 Active 2035-02-05 US9371848B2 (en) | 2014-01-22 | 2014-07-31 | Buckling mechanism and article having the same |
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CN (1) | CN104797114B (en) |
Cited By (1)
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US20150291230A1 (en) * | 2014-04-15 | 2015-10-15 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Coupling assembly |
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CN107719271B (en) * | 2017-08-24 | 2020-01-21 | 安徽江淮汽车集团股份有限公司 | Matching structure of automobile diagnosis interface plug-in |
CN107539245A (en) * | 2017-08-24 | 2018-01-05 | 安徽江淮汽车集团股份有限公司 | A kind of safeguard structure of vehicle diagnosis interface card |
CN108639247B (en) * | 2018-06-08 | 2024-02-13 | 山东省科学院海洋仪器仪表研究所 | Special buckle for recovering mooring anchor chain and anchor chain recovery method |
CN113431834A (en) * | 2018-11-02 | 2021-09-24 | 神讯电脑(昆山)有限公司 | Detachable assembling structure |
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Also Published As
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CN104797114A (en) | 2015-07-22 |
US9371848B2 (en) | 2016-06-21 |
CN104797114B (en) | 2017-09-15 |
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